Shelford's Grant Anderson was in fine form against Worthing (Pic: Cat Goryn)

SHELFORD coach Dick Matthews has praised the impact of Grant Anderson after he returned to inspire his team to victory against high-flying Worthing.

Anderson had been on the sidelines due to injury, but was restored to the starting XV on Saturday and put in a man of the match performance as Shelford triumphed 19-16 to record their first win since November 5.

Matthews said: “Grant was tremendous. He’s a class act, who had a rough time at Northampton Saints with injuries and so on, but he’s here now and enjoying his rugby.

“You have eat, sleep and breathe rugby 24/7 when you’re at one of those clubs. He’s tried it at that level and I think he’s now happy to be playing regularly at Shelford.”

On Saturday Shelford head down to Cornwall to take on Launceston. The players will be making the first part of the journey on Friday night, and Matthews said it’s important that his players shake off the effects of the long journey.

He said: “The long journey is a bit of pain more than anything else, but if you want to play National League rugby then you have to be prepared for the travelling involved.

“We’ll have a strong side out and go there with confidence.”